Thurston Lake dam
Thurston Lake
Thurston Lake, located in Lamar, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for recreation and irrigation purposes. Built in 1928, this earth dam structure stands at 20 feet high and spans 4000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4550 acre-feet. The lake covers 650 acres and is fed by the Arkansas River-OS, making it an important water resource in Prowers County.
The dam at Thurston Lake is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with regular inspections ensuring its fair condition and significant hazard potential. In case of emergencies, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet. The lake has a maximum discharge rate of 1560 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 1714 acre-feet, serving as a crucial water source for the surrounding area. Despite its age, Thurston Lake continues to play a vital role in water management and recreation activities in the region.
With its scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities, Thurston Lake offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. From boating and fishing to wildlife observation, this reservoir provides a diverse range of outdoor activities while also serving as a key irrigation source for the local community. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's safety and efficiency, Thurston Lake remains an essential part of Colorado's water infrastructure and a valuable asset for both residents and visitors alike.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Thurston Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River At Lamar | 14 cfs | → |
| Big Sandy Creek Near Lamar | 41 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Granada | 9 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir | 96 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River At Las Animas | 14 cfs | → |
| Purgatoire River Near Las Animas | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Thurston Lake.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Thurston Reservoir
- Queens Reservoir
- Nee Noshe Reservoir
- Nee Gronda Reservoir
- Mike Higbee Swa (Clay Creek Pond)
- Hasty Lake
Paddle runs
Track Thurston Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Thurston Lake
Where does the data for Thurston Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Thurston Lake.